PAGCOR Data Breach Exposes 560,000 Restricted Individuals
Overview of the PAGCOR Data Incident
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the country’s gambling regulatory authority, recently experienced a significant data incident involving its National Database of Restricted Persons. While PAGCOR denies any direct hack into its systems, it has acknowledged that sensitive information was leaked.
What Is the National Database of Restricted Persons?
This database contains the names of individuals prohibited from participating in legal gambling. These restrictions apply for various reasons, including suspicions of criminal activity or signs of gambling addiction, aiming to maintain responsible gaming practices.
Details of the Data Leak
An international cybercriminal group was responsible for the leak, disclosing a list of approximately 560,000 individuals barred from gambling activities. Interestingly, the hackers criticized PAGCOR for not including more individuals affected by gambling addiction, labeling the regulator as a contributor to the problem.
Accusations and Responses
The hacking group called out PAGCOR for allegedly enabling gambling addiction, stating, “PAGCOR, let’s call it what it is: you are an enabler of addiction, whether you like it or not.” Furthermore, the leaked list reportedly includes names of government officials and public servants, restricted by law from gambling.
Despite these claims, PAGCOR has asserted that its own systems were not breached. Instead, they believe the data was accessed via a licensed gambling operator who has authorized access to the database.
Composition of the Restricted List
PAGCOR clarified that most of the names on the list are not problem gamblers but rather government administrators prohibited from gambling establishments. Only about 1,711 individuals are there due to self-exclusion related to problem gambling.
Implications and Industry Concerns
The incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of current policies aimed at protecting vulnerable gamblers. At a time when the Philippines is focused on enhancing consumer protection measures, the data breach highlights the need for stronger safeguards to prevent addiction and ensure responsible gambling.
